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Autism documentary is humorous, poignant

Posted:
07/29/2013 10:45:37 AM EDT

Updated:
07/29/2013 11:06:35 AM EDT

Imagine yourself laughing while watching a film about autism. While so many discussions of the dis-

order focus on heartache,

"Neurotypical," a documentary on "POV" (10 p.m., PBS, TV-PG), discusses life from the point of view of autistic people. And their take on normal, or "neurotypical," society is quite remarkable, revealing and even funny.

Now middle-aged, Wolf works in information technology and treasures his differences from the neurotypical. He acknowledges his fam-

ily's support was essential for him to learn the tricks to adapt to a society where people can read and interpret nonverbal cues and emotional smoke

signals that remain beyond his comprehension.

Maddi offers a typically sassy high schooler's view of life with autism. She "wanted to barf" when she heard that "Grey's Anatomy" has chosen to introduce a character with Asperger's syndrome. (I'd love to hear her take on "The Bridge.") She complains that she spent the better part of her childhood being trained to make eye contact with her peers only to enter middle school, where everybody looks at the floor. She says she wants a boyfriend, joking, "Just

We meet several adults who were only diagnosed well into midlife. Many speak about the gimmicks and strategies they've developed to comprehend other people and their need for social and physical

intimacy.

One man describes a system for ingratiating himself with boring conversationalists that seems worthy of a self-help seminar. A college-aged girl was convinced that every stranger she met was an idiot, until her father explained to her that meaningless chitchat about the weather or having a nice day was a social lubricant for "normal people" and made them feel happy. The banality of this practice still mystified her, but at least she understood it.

A middle-aged musician and philosopher describes a playground game of tag from an

autistic child's perspective in

a tangential riff worthy of a standup comedian. His outsider's view of this most innocent form of play is a wonderful example of this film's poignancy and humor. Told by his teacher to go with the other kids and "frolic," he reflected he just didn't have that gene.

ity"), "Room" begins with a valedictory conversation with the writing staff of "Breaking Bad." Future segments will feature the talent behind "Game of Thrones," "Dex- ter," "American Horror Story," "Parks and Recre ation" and "New Girl." More entertaining than insightful, "Room" is a must-see for fans.